Mar 23 2009
Meditations on Frugality
…. moving away from Cheap Magic, let’s look at cheapness uh, frugality in Faire…
- Bring most of your food and beverages with you - Yes, it meas you’re hauling more stuff onto site, but even bread, cheese and summer sausage bought “off site” will cost maybe 30% of what you’re going to pay for it at a food booth.
You’ll notice I said “most” - it’s ok to budget yourself few indulgences from the food and drink booths - but if you’re going to be frugal, make them indulgences and not Standard Operating Procedure. - Look for non-faire sources for basics - I love our artisans and the wonderful things they make, but if you’re working on a budget, the basic pieces you use can come from anywhere, thrift stores, discount shops, hardware stores (nailer’s belt pouch: $10. Nuff said.).
- Plan on one”big” treat for yourself each Faire - This sets your own expectations and should help cut down on Sudden Impulse Purchase Syndrome.
A corollary guideline is Look for little inexpensive gifts for Birthdays and Christmas at Faire. Good artisans have little “Fin-catcher*” items available as well as their larger, more expensive goods. And if you’re able to spend five or ten dollars on gifts for others over the course of a long-run faire, you’re also nailing down the Christmas Gift issue way early.
* “Fin-catcher” - An old vendor term for items which are of quality consistant with their more expensive wares, but only cost five dollars or so.
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